At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects for the rail sector and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Respected engineering firm known for quality and innovation in rail and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, enhanced pension, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing bespoke safety-critical equipment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with strong mechanical design experience and customer-facing skills.
Our client is a highly respected engineering and manufacturing business with decades of experience designing, developing and producing specialist equipment for the rail and infrastructure sectors. Renowned for innovation, quality and reliability, the company develops, manufactures and tests its products in-house, enabling the rapid delivery of bespoke engineering solutions to some of the UK's leading rail organisations.
As part of a planned succession strategy, the business is seeking to appoint a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer / Design Manager to become its technical authority for product design and development. You will lead the design, development and delivery of bespoke safety-critical equipment used throughout the rail sector, working closely with customers to translate engineering challenges into practical, innovative solutions.
This highly visible role offers responsibility across the full product lifecycle, from concept development through manufacture, testing and final delivery. The successful candidate will support existing customers, drive new product development initiatives and contribute to the company's continued growth, including opportunities within construction, utilities and forestry markets.
We are seeking a Chartered Mechanical Engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, building strong customer relationships and seeing innovative ideas brought to life within a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.
Essential Criteria
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Strong experience in mechanical design engineering within heavy engineering, construction, agricultural, mining, industrial machinery, or similar
- Experience designing safety-critical fabricated products and assemblies
- Strong understanding of Machinery Directive requirements, CE Marking and UKCA compliance
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Experience producing technical documentation, specifications and design reports
- Strong customer-facing, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead technical projects from concept through manufacture and delivery
Ideal Experience
- Knowledge of rail industry standards, including RIS-1530
- Experience of mechanical design engineering with material handling, lifting equipment, Track renewals equipment or similar
Salary & Package: Up to £65,000 per annum, £5,000 car allowance, 10% annual bonus, Enhanced Pension Scheme, Flexible hybrid working.
Working Model & Location: Gloucestershire-based manufacturing facility, Flexible hybrid working arrangement to suit the individual, Occasional site presence would be good due to product development and manufacturing activities, Relocation support available for the right candidate.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Ford & Stanley Select
Join a leading specialist engineering business in Burton upon Trent, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of innovative electrical design projects within the locomotive sector. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, you will benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to maintaining high engineering standards, making this an excellent place for your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Ford & Stanley Select.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Ford & Stanley Select love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ford & Stanley Select and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Ford & Stanley Select and the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford & Stanley Select
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Ford & Stanley Select.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Ford & Stanley Select.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Ford & Stanley Select, making you a more appealing candidate.
